Should I buy a 2010 Volkswagen Routan with documented electrical problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented electrical issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2010 Volkswagen Routan electrical problems

severe 136 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850

Complaints

136

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$850

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 15V194000 01/04/2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H1. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 11V151 and 14V396. Vehicles that previously received an ignition switch trim ring as a recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign. Vehicles that have already received a new ignition switch are not covered by this campaign.

severe NHTSA 11V151000 01/03/2011

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ROUTAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2009 THROUGH JUNE 2010

AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIN MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

What owners are reporting 9 most recent

electrical · filed 12/21/2022

While driving the car the car shut off causing an issue with the steering and brakes. This is the second time this has happened. in trying to duplicate the issue, with the car in park and running we were able to duplicate it by wiggling the key fob while it is in the switch. We were able to do this 3x. We search out a recall notice for our year, make and model related to this issue. When we calle…

electrical · filed 12/19/2016

THE KEY SLIPS OUT OF THE ON POSITION AND THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DOES NOT ENGAGE. I THOUGHT MY VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE RECALL ISSUED BY VW IN 2015 (PART 573 SAFETY RECALL), BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED, I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC AND MY VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL AND THEREFORE THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY VW. I CALLED VW AND THEY TOLD…

electrical · filed 12/15/2019

IT TURNS ON ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING IT NEEDS AUTO ASSIST SERVICE THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IT THE DEALER CANNOT TAKE CARE OF IT BECAUSE THEY DON'T TAKE CARE OF VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN NO MORE

electrical · filed 12/01/2021

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V194000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and con…

electrical · filed 11/22/2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH WOULD RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS RE-FLASHED AND THE ABS MODULE WAS REPLACED; THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HAD YET TO BE CONTA…

electrical · filed 11/18/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLAC…

electrical · filed 11/15/2014

I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO XXXX ON 10/17/14. XXXX WAS UNABLE TO FIND OR REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AS THE PROBLEMS THAT I EXPERIENCED WERE THE REASON FOR A RECALL. I CONTACTED XXXX VOLKSWAGEN. XXX VOLKSWAGEN TECHNICIANS DROVE MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY OVER A FOUR DAY PERIOD, THEIR TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO VERIFY MY…

electrical · filed 11/13/2020

CONTACTED ORLANDO VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH 5474 S. ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL ORLANDO FL 32839 (866) 318-7865 (407) 581-0665 HTTPS://WWW.ORLANDOVWSOUTH.COM WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT DO THE RECALL. CONTACTED DEALER IN 2015 AND NOW WITH NO REMEDY. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WILL TURN OFF AND LOSE ALL POWER. HAS HAPPENED 10 TO 20 TIMES AND IS VERY DANGEROUS.

electrical · filed 11/12/2024

I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this & it…

Common questions

How serious is the electrical problem on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?

It's a meaningful issue. 136 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.

At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to electrical?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.